asked the Postmaster-General whether he has taken any steps to prevent the postage of printed circulars and other matter in foreign countries for delivery in this country; whether he can make arrangements under the International Postal Union to stop the postage in foreign countries of large batches of circulars and letters which do not come under the category of ordinary postal matter which is the basis of the union; and, in view of the new postal rates in this country now in force, whether he can make any statement on this matter?

I have taken such steps as are practicable to prevent the posting abroad by British firms of circulars, etc., intended for delivery in this country. The practice, however, does not infringe any provision of the International Postal Conventions. As the posting of circulars abroad was stated to be due to the increase of postage rates in this country, it is to be hoped that the restoration of the ½d. rate for inland printed papers will result in its discontinuance. Should, however, the practice continue, I will consider the advisability of taking powers to deal with it.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will explain fully the new postal Regulations as to posting printed matter and ½d. postcards before 3.30 p.m. daily in London and which Regulation has been made before 1.30 p.m. in some provincial towns; will lie state whether, under these Regulations, all printed papers and postcards posted after these hours must bear further postage stamps and, if so, to what amount, or whether such printed matter and postcards posted after these Regulation hours will only be delayed in delivery; and will he undertake that notices are displayed in the post offices stating exactly what the new Regulation means?

The Regulation to which the hon. Member refers applies only to papers or cards sent at the printed paper rate and prepaid ½d. only; it does not apply to postcards, on which the postage is 1d. The ½d. packets posted after the specified time are not surcharged with additional postage, but are set aside to be dealt with on the following day. Notices on the subject were displayed in the post office windows before the alteration came into force, and a statement was sent to the Press. If the hon. Member has in mind any case in which, in his opinion, the time for posting has been fixed unduly early, and he will give me particulars, I shall be happy to make inquiries.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of instituting a special tariff for letters from moneylenders, who are flooding Members of this House and the public schools?

That question should be put on the Paper.